Myanmar: Displaced ethnic Kachin crosses the Malikha River on a ferry to escape fighting between Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Myanmar government troops near Myitkyina in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, April 26. 2018.
In the world's longest-running conflicts of northeast India and Myanmar, the church – in the face of military assault on the Christian peoples – has proved its mettle as a force for peace.
In India's northeast region, the role of the church is unique and unparalleled in terms of working for the cause of peace and non-violence. Inspite of military gang-rapes inside churches, they have been able to prove their credibility during testing times. There's no other religious institution that can compare itself to the them in the preservation of peace and tranquility. At a time when other institutions were manufacturing provocative incitements for violence, the church didn't succumb.
In the case of Myanmar also, the role of the church is worthy of applause. Last year, Pope Francis had visited the largely Buddhist country, from 27 to 30 November, 2017, which according to some observers, has helped reduced the existing cultural suspicions against Christians to an extent. One notable change, according to the bishop of Banmaw, is that the govt army officers, who weren't accessible for dialogues formerly, have now shown a significant change in their demeanor towards peace initiatives and informal conversations at the local level.
The latest violent clashes since last January which erupted as government forces moved in and launched air strikes against the Kachin Independence Army, at Tanaing, have left thousands of village folk stranded in the middle. While the govt troops, on their part, have blocked access to combat areas and prevented residents from leaving or receiving aid.
Recently, although the commander of the Northern Division did not want to talk to Baptist leaders, the Catholic Church – according to Bishop Daw Tang – could take on the role of mediator between the warring parties.
REFERENCES:
Expanding political imagination beyond constitutional limits in Kachin
More War Refugees Transported to Safety in Northern Myanmar’s Myitkyina